Child Passenger Safety

Many children are hurt in crashes because they aren’t properly buckled into a car seat or booster seat. In 2012, booster seat use among children ages 4-7 in crashes in Utah was 56% (1). The older the child, the less likely they were using a child safety seat in a crash. While 91% of 1-year-olds were in a child safety seat in a crash, only 76% of 4-year-olds, 47% of 6-year-olds, and 14% of 8-year-olds were in a child safety seat. The decrease in child safety seat use among older children is concerning because it means they are moving to adult-sized seat belts too early (1).

Knowing which car seat or booster seat is right for your child - based on their age, height, and weight - and type of vehicle is critical. Trained child passenger safety technicians are available throughout Utah to help you install your child's safety seat the right way.

Utah Child Passenger Safety Laws

In 2008, HB140 was passed by the Utah State Legislature. The law requires the operator of a motor vehicle to provide protection for a person younger than 8 years of age by using an appropriate child restraint device like a car seat or a booster seat. Previously, the law required only child under age of 5 to use an approved child restraint device. Children ages 5 to 8 years of age are now protected through use of a booster seat or car seat. However, children younger than 8 who are at least 57 inches tall are exempt from the law and may use a regular seat belt. Booster seat use has increased 61% since passage of the law (1).